Santiago to Chiloe Island - February 2019

Published by Albatross Birding & Nature Tours In Chile (contact AT albatross-birding.com)

This is the trip report for the passengers Butch and Susan Carter from the United States. The tour took place in central and Southern Chile birding in all possible sites according to the schedule designed and specially looking for target birds Mr. Carter was particularly interested to see along the area described. Mr. Carter is an enthusiast birder, whereas Mrs. Carter likes to join him along, and in many occasions waited in the car or hotel while birding.

We finally observed 154 species, including several of the species Mr. Carter had in his list. Some of the highlights in this trip were: Diademed Sandpiper-Plover, day views of Rufous-legged Owl, Southern and Northern Royal Albatross.

ITINERARY

Day 1. February 7th Birding at Farellones and Valle Nevado.

On our first day we met at Orly hotel and after some struggle, because of traffic, we drove up Farellones to look for Andean endemics. We manage to see Moustached Turca, White- throated Tapaculo and at least heard Dusky Tapaculo. Other birds like Dusky-tailed Canastero. Chilean Mockingbird, amazing views of Andean Condor and even a Magellanic horned owl vocalizing in the trees. Further up saw Creamy-rumped Miner and most of the other birds from the high Andes. Drove back to Santiago

Day 2. February 8th Full day on the coast

We left Santiago early in the morning to reach Algarrobo on the first lights. Susan stood at Santiago. At the reed beds in Algarrobo we had great views of at least three Striped-backed Bittern, other birds like Spot-flanked Gallinule. We drove up the valley to find Striped Woodpecker, Dusky Tapaculo. After this we drove to the Maipo Rover Mouth where we missed to find Tickling Doradto but had great chances of other birds including Black Skimmer, Many colored Rush Tyrant, etc.

After Maipo we drove to Valparaiso, went for some delicious Peruvian food for dinner.

Day 3. February 9th Pelagic trip and coastal birding

As scheduled, we left early towards the port to meet with the other participants of the pelagic. We found most of the Humboldt Current birds including both Northern and Southern Royal, Salvin’s Albatross, Buller’s Shearwater,

After Pelagic we drove back to Santiago stopping at La Cadellada plant to look for Black-headed Duck. Back to Santiago to meet Susan.

Day 4. February 10th El Yeso and the high Andes

Being a Sunday, this day we drove very early to El Yeso in order to avoid traffic. We found Crag Chilia, Diademed Sandpiper-Plover, Thick-billed Siskin, some of the Ground Tyrants we were missing. Susan stood at the hotel and walked around town. Drove back to Santiago by mid-afternoon.

Day 5. February 11th Lake Colbun and Vilches

We left Santiago heading south, stop at Chimbarobgo to buy handicraft and visited the main square to look for Screaming Cowbird with no success. After that mostly driving directly to arrive early to the Colbun Lake area where we saw Des Mur’s Wiretail, Rosy-billed Pochard, Upland geese, Andean Gull, Burrowing Parrot. Drove up to Lircay and got to see Chucao tapaculo and some other birds of the forest. Overnight at Hosteria Vilches.

Day 6. February 12th Altos del Lircay National Park

Next day went to Altos de Lircay, this time to the trails were we had great day views of Rufous-legged Owl and Magellanic Woodpecker, Patagonian Tyrant. In the afternoon we drove down to the Colbun Lake again to look for Chilean Tinamou (which we heard but didn’t see) and had great views of the Parrakeets again.

Day 7. February 13th Cerro Ñielol and Temuco

After breakfast left Vilches heading down to Temuco. This was a driving day mostly. Drove around the outskirt of Ñielol and got distant views of Rufous-tailed Hawk. Gave a try to Huet Huets and Chucaos with no luck. Overnight at Temuco.

Day 8. February 14th Full Day Araucaria Forest

This morning we visited the Cerro Ñielol where we had great views of Black-throated Huet Huet. Later in the day we drove up towards the Andes to see Araucaria Forest and found a Sharp-billed Canastero which was Mr. Carter.

Day 9. February 15th Birding in Nothofagus Forest

This day we departed from Temuco heading towards Puerto Montt. Long drive but upon arrival we look for Snowy-crowned Tern at Caicaen near Calbuco where we failed to find it but got to see other species like Flightless Steamer Duck and flocks of Brown-Hooded Gulls. We did also visit Pelluco near Puerto Montt.

Day 10. February 16th Birding in Chiloe Island

This day we took the ferry to Chiloe birding the Pagua area. Took the ferry across the Chacao channel. Checked the little village of Chacao at the market we had some large numbers of Back necked Swans, Hudsonian Whimbrel. Later visited the little bay of Caulin to find a large flock of Godwit mixed in with Red Knots. Drove back to catch the ferry again where we saw Ringed Kingfisher. We visited Maullin, where we had lunch still looking for Snowy-crowned Tern. Return early enough to take you to your new lodge and after that we drove to the airport for you to rent a car.

Species Lists

BIRD LIST (154 species)

Taxonomic order and notes follow South American Classification Committee
http://www.museum.lsu.edu/~Remsen/SACCBaseline.html